Second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine will offer improved horsepower and torque and be mated to an all-new 10-speed transmission.
2017 Ford F-150
Earlier today, Ford Motor Company announced that the 2017 Ford F-150 will debut with an optional second-generation 3.5-liter engine.
Compared to the current 3.5-liter EcoBoost powerplant, new twin- turbocharged V6 will generate an additional 30 lb.-ft. of peak torque for a total of 450 lb.-ft. The new engine will be mated to an all-new Ford-built transmission. The new tranny, in fact, will be the first volume-production 10-speed automatic transmission made available to consumers from any automaker.
Compared to the current six-speed unit, the new 10-speed transmission will, according to Ford, "deliver improved acceleration and performance compared with previous six-speed automatic transmissions."
"The Ford truck team lives to serve our hardworking truck customers," said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Product Development, and chief technical officer. "The powertrain is the heart of every F-150, and together our all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed transmission will give our customers better power, efficiency and confidence."
New Ford 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine
The new turbo V6 features a dual-direct and port fuel injection with two injectors per cylinder – one inside the cylinder and one positioned in the intake port. The twin turbos feature lighter, high-temperature super alloy Mar-M-247 turbine wheels and work with electrically activated wastegates for improved operating efficiency.
Weight reduction and overall efficiency has also been improved through the use of hollow camshafts, an all-new roller-finger follower valvetrain, more durable intake and exhaust valves, and hydraulic valve-lash adjusters. Also standard is an Auto Start-Stop system, tuned for truck customers, which shuts the engine off when the vehicle is at a stop except when towing or in four-wheel-drive mode.
New Ford 10-speed transmission
The new Ford-developed 10-speed transmission features three overdrive gears and a wider ratio span that allows the use of lower-numerical rear-axle ratios for better fuel efficiency at highway speeds while, at the same time, maintaining towing capability. Not only is the transmission smaller, it also contains the first Ford gearbox that does not use cast-iron components. In addition, by integrating the converter/turbine clutch, it helped Ford shave more than 2 pounds of weight from the unit.
Electronics also plays a part, as improved shift logic (real-time-adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms monitor more than a dozen powertrain- and driver-control signals) ensures the right gear will be chosen at the right time.
2017 Ford F-150 prices and availability
The new engine and transmission will become available when the 2017 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. Pricing and additional information will be announced closer to its on-sale date.
